The problem, though, is they conceded three goals for the third time this season and Van Gaal could use that defensive fragility to revert to a more cautious approach at Anfield on Sunday.

It is mythical to say Van Gaal has sorted United's defence. He has improved it considerably, but when you play a winger at right-back, a right-back at left-back and a midfielder at centre-back, your defence is bound to concede. To compound the square pegs jammed into round holes, Chris Smalling had his worst game in 14 months at St James's Park.

Still, though, Wayne Rooney continued to respond positively to his Boxing Day demotion, Ashley Young made United a better side and Ander Herrera was classy again. But was taken off instead of Marouane Fellaini.

Key Events

All Red, all day

Scroll back through the live blog for everything that has happened United-wise through the day.

There’s a couple more interesting reads to come from our writers tonight later this evening featuring Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and LVG.

And we’ll be back bright and early in the morning.

Top five

Here are some of our best stories of the day

Rooney on Newcastle

It still hurts

“I think after going 2-0 up we were in control of the game, and then we’ve let them back into it. To then get our third goal and concede again was disappointing from us.

“I think they were silly goals to concede on our behalf and they were avoidable. They have cost us two points so we’re disappointed.

“We can’t keep going on conceding three goals every game so we have to work on that and create the chances without giving goals away.

“You can score as many goals as you want, but if you keep conceding goals then it’s a problem. We have to keep trying to get that balance right and keep creating chances, scoring goals and keeping them out.”

LVG v Klopp

Louis has got a great record against Liverpool. Hopefully he carries it on at Anfield on Sunday.

Eric Steele

Praise for Dave

David De Gea has had a fantastic 18 months and made two great saves last night. But his former goalkeeper coach Eric Steele says he could get even better. Scary thought.

He’s only going to get better. He came to United at 19, so you’re looking now at a mature, physically developed goalkeeper. He’s got better, and he’s going to get even better. He’s 25 now. Schmeichel didn’t go to United until he was 28, so this boy – this man, now – has got so much more to come.

GoalkeepersKEY EVENT

United monitoring Oblak

United are considering a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to the Mirror.

The 23-year-old has been linked with the Reds since David De Gea’s move to Real Madrid fell through and the club have continued to monitor the 23-year-old.

It’s being reported in the Mirror that United are keeping tabs on the Slovenian, but Atleti are hoping to tie him down to a new contract.

Transfer talk

Players available to United

The January transfer window is open and United fans are keen to see new faces at Old Trafford.

We’ve taken a look around the Premier League to see who could be on the move - and not just to the Reds.

The 25 players below have all been linked to Manchester United or their rivals for domestic or European glory.

It’s a length lists that includes the likes of Sadio Mane, John Stones and some real top quality talent.

United consider Portuguese boss

United could bring in former Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo as Louis van Gaal’s replacement, according to reports in Spain.

The latest on the managerial change comes from El Chiringuito who say that Santo is one of the candidates in contention if the club do decide to move on without Van Gaal.

The move would be seen as a major shock with the Portuguese manager only starting his managerial career in 2012 with Rio Ave while the 41-year-old was sacked from his role at Valencia earlier this season.

Wazza quotesKEY EVENT

Rooney slams 'silly goals'

Wayne Rooney blamed a number of “silly goals” for costing United a chance to claim a vital three points in their match against Newcastle.

“I think after going 2-0 up we were in control of the game, and then we’ve let them back into it,” Rooney told MUTV.

“To then get our third goal and concede again was disappointing from us.

“I think they were silly goals to concede on our behalf and they were avoidable. They have cost us two points so we’re disappointed.

“We can’t keep going on conceding three goals every game so we have to work on that and create the chances without giving goals away.

“You can score as many goals as you want, but if you keep conceding goals then it’s a problem. We have to keep trying to get that balance right and keep creating chances, scoring goals and keeping them out.

“I think we’re always trying to create chances.

“Obviously we know that’s our aim, that’s what we work on every day at the training ground. Sometimes it’s difficult but on nights like tonight we did it so we need to keep working and keep trying to improve.”

Rio

The defence will be in bother!

Rio expects Van Gaal wrath.

Video

Saul highlights 2014/15

Here’s an idea of what you could come to expect, if he joins United.

Target

Who is Saul Niguez?

The last few days has seen United’s transfer rumours focus on one man.

Saul Niguez has attracted interest from several clubs after starring in the Spanish capital from in the past two seasons.

Strengths: Saul is a versatile footballer who can play across the midfield. Usually utilised in a defensive position, the 21-year-old has also been known to play on the left and right which makes him a valuable asset to any side.

(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The youngster covers the back four well and breaks down play, but can also create opportunities for the forwards.

The Spaniard can pick a pass and is a talented, multi-dimensional footballer, who has scored five times in his 35 Atletico appearances - including a bicycle-kick against fierce rivals Real.